Jose Mourinho revealed after the game why Oscar had started up front rather than Drogba.

"The thinking was Drogba couldn’t work with us on the game plan until yesterday," Mourinho said. "And we knew that with Oscar we would get behind them like we did so many times in the first half, with the three penalty appeals and Ramires face to face with the keeper.

"In 45 minutes, to be behind them four times was difficult for Mertesacker and Koscielny.

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Oscar receiving treatment

"In the second half we were playing with a target man and more on counter-attack but every time we were recovering the ball to go to counter-attack, Arsenal were making a tactical fouls.

"The referee did well by giving yellow cards to three of their players."